Motorcycle Travel Checklist For Long-Distance Riding

Preparation is very important, especially in getting ready for a long-distance riding trip. It is ok having a free spirit, but things do not happen on their own.

So spend a little time before departure getting all the things in your motorcycle travel checklist ready, and look at possible routes, things to see, and places to stay.

What To Prepare?

A bit of preparation goes a long way to ensuring you make the most of your trip. The checklist below is just for general guidance and you can modify it according to your personal preference.

Essentials : Documents & Money

• A valid passport and any necessary visas.
• Driving License (including International Driving Permit – If needed).
• Original motorcycle Registration Document.
• Copy of motorcycle Insurance documents.
• Breakdown Assistance / Repatriation Cover (if any) Personal travel / medical insurance.
• Currency notes: depending on the country that you’re travelling to.
• A major credit card (Visa or Master card) and/or Debit card activated for overseas withdrawal.
• Touring Map & Guides – To use if GPS has stopped working.
• In Case of Emergency (ICE) Contacts list.

I would recommend that you make good quality or colour photocopies of all of your documents except your credit cards and keep them in a waterproof folder.

Essentials: Medical

• Basic painkillers, personal medication and prescription drugs.
• Mini first aid kit.
• Rehydration sachets.
• Sunblock, sunscreen, lip balm etc.
• Water bottle.

Recommended: For the Motorcycle

• Additional Engine / Gear Oil.
• Chain lubricant.
• Industrial tapes – for cracked fairings boxes.
• Motorcycle manual.
• Spare ignition keys.
• Epoxy resin and hardener – in case the engine cracks (temporary fix).
• Bicycle loop lock (for optional helmet security).
• Bike security devices (disc locks etc).
• Tyre pressure gauge.
• Cloths absorbent for drying saddles and cleaning the machine (store in zip lock bag).
• Puncture repair kit and/or install tyre sealant.
• Spare fuses & bulbs.
• Spark plugs & wire tape.
• Cable tie-down strap.
• Repair tool kit.

Recommended: Personal Comfort

• Riding Gears. (Helmet, Gloves, Jacket, Boots, Knee/Shin guards etc).
• Base layers.
• Latex gloves.
• Spare riding gloves.
• Clothes.
• Toiletries (Shampoo, soap etc).
• Snood/neck warmer.
• Socks (2-3 pairs).
• Sandal / Shoes.
• Super-absorbent travel towel.
• Raincoat.
• Visor & windshield bug cleaner with a cloth.

Electronics

• Universal Travel electric adapter.
• Earplugs.
• Power bank.
• GoPro or any action camera set.
• Digital Camera.
• Tripod for Camera.
• Walkie-talkie and/or Bluetooth intercom.
• Laptop with charger.
• GPS device with charger and/or GPS app on a smartphone.

Others

• A couple of small karabiners and bungee cords.
• Leatherman-type multi-tool or Swiss Army knife.
• Notebook and pen.
• Rucksack/backpack/fanny pack.
• Dictionary and/or Google translator app on a smartphone.
• Lighter.
• Spare spectacles.
• Sunglasses.
• Zip lock clear plastic bags.
• Dry bags (Waterproof bags).
• Rubber straps (Hook end type).

If you have any other suggestions to improve the list above, drop them in the comment box below.